Phillips back for Southampton

Kevin Phillips returned to the Southampton line-up for this afternoon’s encounter with Manchester City – but there was still no place in Harry Redknapp’s squad for James Beattie, whose departure from St Mary’s is due to be confirmed in the next 72 hours.

Phillips’ introduction for Dexter Blackstock was the only change to the Saints side which slipped to a single goal defeat at Liverpool four days ago, a result that kept the south coast outfit second from bottom.